Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 in review – A thoroughbred road bike

Canyon’s ultimate aero weapon – the Aeroad CFR – is getting a long-awaited update. Inspired by feedback from pro teams, Mathieu van der Poel himself, and the team mechanics, the new Aeroad is said to be faster, easier to maintain and more stable. But can one of the world’s best road bikes really get any better?

The old Canyon Aeroad was already one of the fastest bikes in the peloton, and the latest version aims to build on that. The new Aeroad 2024 is not only faster and lighter but also officially “cobble proven,” in line with the wishes of the pros. This means it is designed for classics such as the Paris-Roubaix one-day race with its notorious cobblestone sections. Other changes include a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio and the annual increase in tire clearance. On the new Aeroad CFR, the tire clearance is 32 mm, following the wishes of world champion and Paris-Roubaix winner Mathieu van der Poel. Everyday features such as a rear light and the Gear Groove – already familiar from the Canyon Grail – have also found their way onto the Aeroad. Canyon thus combine professional performance with practical features for everyday use. We’ve already had the chance to ride the new Canyon Aeroad extensively on Spain’s Costa Blanca and can tell you which changes we think are particularly promising.

Focus on racing – The new features of the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024

The focus on aerodynamics is already hinted at in the name of the Aeroad, but how have they evolved on the new 2024 model? At first glance not much, but look closer and you’ll see that nothing has really stayed the same. The latest Canyon Aeroad CFR has a thinner head tube and down tube. The transition between the seat stays and the seat tube has also been improved, as have the weight-optimised profiles at the rear. In practice, this means shallower tube profiles on the seat tube, seatpost and seat stays. And because every manufacturer is doing it right now, Canyon have also decided to cover the dropouts. This gives a clean look and, according to Canyon, provides minimal aero advantages.

Another significant development is hidden in the cockpit. The Koblenz-based company continues to rely on its proprietary system for clamping the steerer tube and adjusting the handlebar height without having to shorten the steerer. But the real highlight is in the drops. Compared to its predecessor, the drops are now individually adjustable in width and can be replaced without disconnecting the brake lines. The true innovation is the new Aero Drops. Available separately, these flared drops offer a minimum handlebar width of 350 mm in the hoods and 420 mm in the drops. According to the latest UCI rules, turned-in hoods are now permitted within these specifications. To emphasise the sporty character of the drops, the Aero version has 10 mm more reach, allowing a more stretched aerodynamic position.

Thanks to the Gear Groove, already known from the Canyon Grail, Canyon have also made it possible to mount accessories such as aero bars, a stem mount and a light on the new Aeroad CFR 2024. Although this makes the bike incredibly versatile, the Gear Groove slightly spoils the overall clean look of the Aeroad.
The integrated rear light, on the other hand, looks very neat. It can be attached to the seatpost with a small adapter or a magnet, and its brightness and flashing mode ensure good visibility in all weathers. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of StVZO approval, so it won’t be available in Germany.

At the request of the pros and to the delight of all roadies – Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024

The Aeroad CFR is a bike for professionals, and Canyon make that clear with this new model. However, the new features should also make the bike more attractive to amateur athletes and competitive in local crit races. The rear end of the Aeroad 2024 has been made much stiffer, giving more feedback and a more direct feel, as requested by the World Tour teams. However, the new Aeroad’s “cobble-proven” claim raises the question of whether this increased stiffness comes at the expense of compliance.

But it wasn’t just the riders who influenced the bike, the teams also had a lot of say. Canyon have used a few clever tricks to improve the bike’s maintenance and durability. Thanks to the high-precision Acros bearings and a titanium bearing seat, the headset is more durable and, with the new seals, better protected from the elements. In fact, Canyon are so convinced of the Acros bearings that the Aeroad can probably be hosed down with a pressure cleaner. Not something we would recommend on a bike costing just under € 10,000, of course.

But that’s not all – the new seat clamp allows independent adjustment of saddle angle and fore-aft position. For quick, scratch-free roadside repairs, small rubber feet protect the fork when parked with the front wheel removed. Canyon rely on T25 for (almost) all of their own bolts, ensuring easy adjustments on the go. The appropriate tool is conveniently concealed in the axle lever, so it is always at hand.

Same same – The design of the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024

Visually, there’s not much difference between the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 and its predecessor, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. The classic, familiar look is instantly recognisable yet still modern and up to date. Small changes, such as the narrower front and shallower rear profiles, follow the current trend of modern aero bikes. The only thing that might spoil the clean look is the Gear Groove on the handlebar. For all the fans, Canyon also offer the Aeroad in the paint finish of the pro team.

The Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 in detail

Our Aeroad CFR 2024 test bike lives up to its name, boasting top-of-the-range equipment. Featuring Shimano Dura Ace Di2 and a power meter, the 7.2 kg bike shifts reliably and efficiently. In keeping with the aero concept, Canyon rely on DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT wheels with a depth of 50 mm and Continental GP 5000 S TR tubeless tires. A pleasant surprise was the extremely comfortable 3D printed Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D Carbonio saddle. Canyon offer all of this for € 9,999. For those who prefer SRAM, the latest RED AXS groupset with Zipp wheels is available for € 500 more. Canyon’s more budget-friendly CF models start at € 4,199 and go up to € 6,999.

The geometry of the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024

If it works, don’t fix it. For the geometry of the Aeroad 2024, Canyon relied entirely on the proven and award-winning characteristics of its predecessor. Known for being sporty and aggressive, it is suitable for the fastest pros as well as ambitious amateur racers. And the geometry is even perfect for sporty weekend rides. Canyon rightly stick to the tried and tested.

Size	2XS	XS	S	M	L	XL	2XL
Top tube	516 mm	529 mm	546 mm	555 mm	569 mm	594 mm	609 mm
Seat tube	441 mm	471 mm	501 mm	531 mm	561 mm	591 mm	621 mm
Head tube	88 mm	107 mm	121 mm	142 mm	162 mm	188 mm	206 mm
Head angle	70°	71.2°	72.8°	73.25°	73.3°	73.5°	73.8°
Seat angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Chainstay	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	412.5 mm	415 mm	415 mm
Wheelbase	975 mm	979 mm	982 mm	988 mm	1003 mm	1029 mm	1042 mm
Reach	372 mm	378 mm	390 mm	393 mm	401 mm	419 mm	429 mm
Stack	498 mm	520 mm	539 mm	560 mm	580 mm	606 mm	624 mm

First impressions of the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024

The Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 looks and behaves like a real racer. The bike feels particularly comfortable at higher speeds and maintains the built up speed efficiently. It’s at its best when sprinting, impressing with its stability and strong acceleration.

The stiffer rear end of the Aeroad CFR 2024 provides more feedback, but at the expense of compliance. Compared to the competition’s most advanced all-rounders, the Aeroad offers a harder, more classic road bike feel. The 28 mm wide rear tire and excellent Selle Italia saddle help to filter out vibrations. Pros on cobblestone stages and casual riders looking for more comfort can fit tires up to 32 mm wide for significantly more compliance.

With its features influenced by the pros and slightly higher weight of 7.2 kg in size M, the Aeroad CFR 2024 is best suited to short rolling hills and fast climbs. On long climbs or Alpine passes, it feels less at home and requires more input from the rider. This is particularly noticeable when accelerating out of switchbacks or riding at low speeds, where the bike is not as nimble as its lighter counterpart, the Ultimate. But once you reach the top, the fun begins. On descents, the Aeroad rides safely and precisely, with plenty of pressure on the front, and it handles tight corners stably and with minimal input. Pure riding pleasure.

Ergonomically, the bike sits perfectly, and with the individually adjustable cockpit there is no reason for a bad fit. The only time you might feel a little flex in the handlebar is when the drops are extended. However, with the Aero Drops at 350 mm, the bike remains 100% stable even during the hardest sprints.

Tuning Tip: The new Canyon shoes for the perfect symbiosis of bike and rider.

Who is the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 for?

The Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 is designed for racers and hobbyists with sporty ambitions. Its intuitive handling and compact riding position, combined with excellent aerodynamics, result in a fast bike that is fun to ride, even for less experienced cyclists. In addition, the Aeroad’s excellent value for money, improved durability and ease of maintenance ensure that even the most demanding bikers will enjoy it for many years to come. However, riders looking for maximum versatility might find that the Aeroad lacks a bit of lightness when climbing the steepest and longest Alpine passes.

Conclusion on the Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024

With the Aeroad CFR 2024, Canyon have presented a worthy successor to their popular road bike. The new model impresses with well thought-out details and a strong focus on speed. The emphasis is clearly on racing, and the bike performs accordingly. The new Aeroad is fast, efficient and precise. With slightly less compliance, but more resilience and durability, it offers an overall package that not only professionals dream of. The Canyon Aeroad CFR 2024 also provides ambitious amateur athletes with an outstanding road bike for every situation.

More information at canyon.com

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Canyon, Calvin Zajac